l/>  -TJ 


THE 


‘‘X.  TX\.- 

* r- 


UmVERSAL  SPREAD  OF  THE  GOSPEL. 

A 

SERMON, 

PREACHED  AT  NORTHAMPTON, 

BEFORE  THE 

HAMPSHIRE  MISSIONARY  SOCIETY ; 

. 

AT 

tl  ;vTTV. 

THEIR  ANNUAL  MEETING , 

AUGUST  25,  1808. 

i 

by  THE  REV.  TIMOTHY  M.  COOLEY,  A.M7  " 

FASTOR  OF  THE  FIRST  CHURCH  OF  CHRIST  IN  GRANrtLLR-,  MASS. 


NORTHAMPTON: 
PRINTED  BY  WILLIAM  BUTLER. 
1808. 


I 


AT  a Meeting  of  the  Hampshire  Missionary  Society. 

Augujl  25,  1808  : 

>10  fTMAHTEOJi  TA  r"  ‘ 

VOTED  y 

That  the  Rev.  MefTrs.  S.  Williams  and  E.  Hale,  be 
a Committee  to  give  the  Thanks  of  the  Society  to  the 
Rev.  Mr.  COOLEY,  for  his  Sermon,  delivered  before 
them,  and  requeft  of  him  a Copy  for  the  Prefs. 

A7  TEST. 

: 

. P.  WILLISTON, 

RECORDING  SECRETARY. 


THE  UNIVERSAL  SPREAD  OF  THE  GOSPEL. 

A 

SERMON,  &c. 

— — — 
REVELATION,  XIV.  vi. 

AND  I SAX'  ANOTHER  ANGEL  FLY  IN  THE  MIDST  OF  HEAVEN \ 
HAVING  THE  EVERLAS  TING  GOSPEL  70  PREACH  UNTO  THEM 
THAT  l) IV ELL  ON  THE  EARTH,  AND  TO  EVERY  NATION,  AND 
KINDRED,  AND  TONGUE,  AND  PEOPLE. 

r_|L  1 1IE  apoflle  John  was  banilhed  by  Nero,  a Roman 
Emperor,  to  a defolate  ifland,  called  Patmos,  “ for  the  tefti- 
mony  of  Jefus  Chrift.”  While  he  was  here  in  a date  of  foli- 
tude,  deprived  of  opportunities  of  preaching  to  the  churches, 
or  converfmg  with  chriftian  friends,  he  was  favored  with  a 
remarkable  intimacy  with  God,  and  with  a prophetic  view  of 
the  future  fituation  of  the  church.  Inftead  of  being  thrown 
by,  as  of  no  further  ufe,  he  was  improved  as  an  inftrument  of 
unfpeakable  good  to  the  church,  by  receiving  and  commit- 
ting to  writing  the  Revelation,  which  conftitutes  the  lafl 
book  in  the  lacred  canon.  The  perfecutor,  by  depriving 
the  church  in  that  age,  of  the  prefence  of  this  beloved  apof- 
tle,  placed  him  in  a fituation,  to  w'rite  for  the  comfort  of  the 
church  in  future  ages. 

The  Apocalypfe  exhibits  a prophetic  view  of  the  church, 
from  the  time  of  its  author  to  the  end  of  the  world.  It  is 
written,  like  many  other  prophecies,  in  a (tile  highly  figur- 
ative and  emblematical.  It  is  not  the  defign  of  fcripture 
prophefv,  to  make  men  prophets,  by  enabling  them  with 
exa&nefs  to  predift  future  events.  Such  knowledge  would 
be  no  advantage  to  the  faints,  and  might  prove  very  danger- 
ous in  the  pofTeflion  of  finners.  It  was  therefore  wife  in 
God,  to  deliver  to  us  the  prophetic  fcriptures.  in  the  lan- 
guage of  fymbols,  which  are  attended  with  fome  degree  of 
obfeurity,  till  they  are  explaiued  by  correfponding  events. 


The  obfcurity  of  prophefy  is  not  inconfiftent  with  the  moft 
perfect  precifion,  as  appears  evident  from  prophefies  which 
have  already  received  their  accomplishment.  A critical 
attention  to  the  hiftory  of  the  church,  has  call  light  on 
the  revelation  of  St.  John,  which  has  been  pronounced  by 
many  “ a Sealed  book.” 

The  thirteenth  chapter  of  this  book  deferibes  the  rife, 
power,  and  cruelties  of  the  bead.  The  fourteenth  chapter 
opens  to  view  a more  plcafing  Scene.  John  Saw  the  lamb 
Handing  on  Mount  Zion,  accompanied  by  his  chofcn  difciples. 
He  heard  the  Songs  of  the  redeemed.  He  Saw  an  angel  fly 
in  the  midfl  of  Heaven,  having  the  everlafting  gofpel  to 
preach  to  them  that  dwell  on  the  earth,  to  every  nation,  and 
kindred,  and  tongue,  and  people. 

For  many  centuries  the  gofpel  has  been  confined  to  a 
very  Small  part  of  the  inhabited  earth.  Nine  parts  out  of 
ten,  of  that  race  for  which  the  Savior  died,  are  in  the  region 
and  fhadow  of  death.  It  will  not  be  always  thus.  The  day 
is  haftening  on,  when  the  everlafting  gofpel  Shall  be  preached 
to  every  kindred,  and  tongue,  and  people. 

I requeft  the  prayers  of  this  aflembly,  while  I attempt 
to  fhew, 

I.  What  we  are  to  understand  by  the  gofpel. 

II.  Why  it  is  called  everlafting. 

III.  In  what  manner,  and  at  what  time,  the  gofpel  will  be 
fpread  among  all  nations. 

i . What  are  w'e  to  underftand  by  the  gofpel  ? 

The  word  gofpel  Signifies  good  neve. r,  and  is  ufed  by  infpi- 
red  writers,  to  exprefs  the  whole  Scheme  of  Salvation,  by  the 
obedience  and  death  of  the  Son  of  God.  It  is  called  the 
“ gofpel  of  God,”  becaufc  it  came  from  the  Father,  who 
was  the  principal  contriver  of  it,  as  the  flrlt  perfon  in  the 
Sacred  Trinity.  It  is  called  the  “ gofpel  of  C.hrift,”  becaufe 
Jefus  Chrift,  by  his  obedience  and  Sufferings,  prepared  the 
way  for  the  Salvation  of  Sinners.  It  is  called  the  “ gofpel  of 
the  grace  of  God,”  becaufe  it  is  a diSplay  of  aftouifhing 
grace  and  mercy  to  men. 

The  exifter.ee  of  the  gofpel  Scheme  of  Salvation,  implies 
the  fallen,  ruined  condition  of  mankind,  and  their  inability 
to  refeue  themfelves  from  interminable  mifery.  In  order  to 


[ 5 ] 

difcharge  any  from  the  dreadful  penalty  of  the  law,  there 
ran  ft  be  a latisfaftory  atonement.  And  without  (bedding  ot 
blood  “ is  no  remiflion.”  The  veracity  of  God,  the  honor 
of  his  violated  law,  and  the  fupport  of  his  moral  govern- 
ment, required  the  fufferings  of  the  mediator,  for  the  pardon 
of  iin.  No  finite  being  could  make  an  atonement.  Neither 
men,  nor  angels,  could  fatisfy  divine  juftice.  '1  he  Savior 
of  tinners  is  exprefsly  (aid  to  be  the  “ true  God,  and  equal 
with  the  Father.”  The  divinity  of  Chrift  is  fo  interwoven 
with  the  whole  lcheme  of  revealed  religion,  that  if  we  deny 
this  fundamental  truth,  we  drip  this  holy  religion  of  every 
thing  which  can  alford  the  lead  comfort  fo  an  awakened, 
convinced  iinner. 

Since  God  has  font  his  Son  to  fave  finners,  he  has  made 
it  certain,  that  forne  will  be  laved.  A wife  being  would 
not  be  at  luch  infinite  expence  to  redeem  the  world,  and 
then  leave  it  as  a matter  of  mere  contingence,  what  number, 
or  whether  any  would  be  faved.  An  eleft  number  were 
given  to  Chrift,  and  their  falvation  fecured  by  the  covenant 
of  redemption.  “ All  that  the  Father  hath  given  me,  (hall 
come  unto  me.”* 

Perfonal  holinefs  is  effentially  necefiliry  to  give  us  an  in- 
tereft  in  the  promifes  of  the  gofpel.  No  divine  decree,  no 
atonement,  though  in  iilelf  infinitely  valuable,  will  fecure 
falvation  to  any,  without  holinefs  of  heart  and  life.  Faith 
and  repentance,  are  the  terms  of  falvation,  without  which 
Chrift  has  died  in  vain. 

Such  is  the  oppofition  of  the  human  heart  to  the  gcfpcl, 
that,  w ithout  the  fpecial  influences  of  the  fpirir,  all  with  one 
conlent  wiil  rejeft  the  offered  mercy.  “ No  man  can  come 
“ unto  me,”  faith  Chrift,  “except  the  Father  draw  him.’’ 
“ Ye  will  not  come  unto  me,  that  ye  mav  have  life.” 

From  the  depravity  of  man,  we  infer  the  neceffity  of 
regeneration,  and  that  this  change  is  wrought  by  the  fpecial 
influences  of  the  holy  fpirir.  “ Except  a man  he  born  of 
“ water,  and  of  the  fpirir,  he  cannot  fee  the  kingdom  of 
“ God.”  Believers  are  faid  to  be  “ born  not  of  blood,  nor 
“ of  the  wiil  of  the  flefn,  nor  of  the  will  of  man,  bn*: 
“ of  God.” 


* John,  6.  3”. 


[ 6 ] 

The  final  perfevercnce  of  the  faints,  is  a doftrine  inti- 
mately connected  with  regeneration  by  Tpecial  grace.  “ Wc 
“ are  confident  of  this  very  thing,  that  he  which  hath  begun 
“ a good  work  will  perform  it  until  the  day  of  the  Lord 
“ Jefus.”  If  it  were  pofiible  for  one  to  fall  from  grace, 
it  would  be  pofiible  for  ten,  or  a thoufand,  or  even  all  the 
faints  ; and  Chrift  might  fail  of  his  church. 

Having  now  very  briefly  exhibited  the  gofpel  fcheme  of 
falvation,  I fhall  proceed  to  fhevv, 

II.  Why  the  gofpel  is  called  everlafiing. 

1.  Becaufe  the  plan  was  laid  from  eternity. 

The  falvation  of  men  was  determined  in  the  councils  of 
Heaven,  before  time  began.  When  God  determined  to 
create  man,  he  forefaw  the  apofiacy,  with  all  its  confe- 
tjuences.  When  he  created  man,  and  forbade  him  to  eat 
of  the  tree  of  knowledge,  he  knew  that  he  would  difobey, 
and  involve  himfelf  and  his  pofierity  in  deferved  ruin. 
When  man  rebelled,  an  omnifcient  God  was  not  difap- 
pointed.  The  gofpel  plan,  though  not  revealed,  had  been 
already  formed  in  the  divine  mind.  There  is  no  new  thing 
with  God.  “ Known  unto  him  are  all  his  works,  from 
the  “ beginning  of  the  world.”'  When  cur  fchemes  are 
frufiratcd,  and  we  are  difappointed  of  fome  plcafing 
objcft  of  purluit,  we  are  compelled,  from  necelTity,  to  adopt 
a different  fcheme.  Through  the  imperfection  of  our  wif- 
dom  and  forefight,  our  plans  are  itnperfeCf ; but  the  divine 
plan  was  perfeCh  When  the  gofpel  was  publifhed  to  man 
in  the  garden  of  Eden,  it  was  new  to  man  and  angels ; but  it 
w as  no  new  thing  with  Jehovah.  May  we  notfafely  believe, 
that  the  Son  of  God,  through  eternal  ages,  contemplated 
the  redemption  of  the  church,  with  divine  delight  ? “ Then 

1 was  by  him,  rejoicing  in  the  habitable  parts  of  t<he  earth  ; 
“ and  my  delights  were  with  the  Ions  of  men.”* 

2.  The  gofpel  is  everlafiing,  becaule  all  who  become 
interclled  in  it,  were  chol'en  of  God  from  eternity. 

God  determined  trot  only  to  fend  his  Son  to  make  atone- 
ment for  fin,  and  lay  a foundation  ior  the  confident  exereile 
of  forgiving  mercy;  but  he  alto  determined  how  great  a 
number  fliould  be  fared,  and  who  (hould  confiitntc  the 

* Proverbs,  8.  50,  31. 


C 7 2 

individuals.  In  the  covenant  of  redemption,  the  Father 
gave  a chofen  number  to  his  Son,,  to  be  redeemed,  fan<di- 
fied,  and  faved.  Theft  arc  called  “ God’s  eleft.”*  To 
theft  the  Savior  had  an  evident  reference,  in  the  prayer  he 
addrefled  to  the  Father,  on  that  gloomy  night  in  which  he 
was  betrayed.  “ I pray  for  them  : 1 pray  not  for  the 
**  world  j but  for  them  which  thou  had  given  me  out  of 
**  the  world. ”f 

It  mud  be  acknowledged  by  all,  that  the  finner  is  regen- 
erated by  divine  power.  If  it  be  proper  for  God  to  efl'ecl 
the  work  of  regeneration  in  the  finner rs  heart,  it  is  proper 
for  him  previoufly  to  determine  to  do  it.  And  if  God  may 
form  fuch  a determination  a moment  before  hand,  he  may 
with  equal  propriety  a month  or  a year.  And  if  it  be  fuit- 
able  that  God  fliould  have  fuch  a determination  in  time,  it 
is  equally  fuitable  that  he  fliould  have  had  it  from  eternity. 
Every  objection  againd  the  eternal  purpofe  of  Cod,  refpeft- 
ing  the  lalvation  of  Tinners,  lies  with  equal  weight  againd 
his  prefent  purpofe. 

Were  it  podible  for  a new  thought  or  a new  purpofe  to* 
arife  in  the  mind  of  Deity,  it  would  imply  that  he  was  liable 
to  change,  and  therefore  an  imperfeft  being.  “ But  he  is 
“ of  one  mind,  and  changeth  not.”  Whatever  God  now 
does,  he  always  defigned  to  do.  The  regeneration  of 
fmners  is  evidently  the  fubject  of  God’s  eternal  purpofe- 
“ He  hath  chofen  us  in  him,”  faith  the  apodle,  “ before  the 
“ foundation  of  the  world,  that  we  diould  be  holy  and 
“ without  blame  before  him  in  love  : having  prededinated 
**  us  unto  the  adoption  of  children,  by  Jefus  Chrid  hirafeifj. 
“ according  to  the  good  pleafure  of  his  will.”J 

3.  The  golpel  is  everlafting,  becaufe  it  will  conditute  a 
fubjeft  of  invedigation  and  delight,  to  faints  and  angels, 
forever. 

The  gofpel,  with  all  it  glorious  confequences,  has  forever 
exided  in  the  divine  mind.  We  have  no  evidence  that  it 
was  revealed  to  angels,  previous  to  its  being  communicated 
to  our  fallen  parents,  in  the  garden  of  Edeu.  On  the  fird 
intimation  of  a promiled  Savior,  the  holy  angels  caught  the 

• Rom.  8,  33.  f John,  17.  9.  f Eph.  t.  4.>  5* 


joyful  intelligence,  and  with  facred  delight,  began  to  inveft- 
igare  this  new  fcheme  of  l'alvation.  The  incarnation,  life, 
fufferirfgs,  and  death,  of  the  Son  of  God,  together  with 
every  thing  which  relates  to  the  redemption  of  the  church, 
have  been  the  fubjetts  of  their  contemplations.  Thefe  are 
“ things  which  the  angels  defire  to  look  into.”  They  will 
never  fully  comprehend  this  “ myftery  of  godlinefs,  God 
manifeft  in  the  flelh.”  It  will  afford  them  an  eternal  theme 
of  delightful  inveftigation. 

One  objett  of  redeeming  love,  was  to  difplay  the  char- 
acter of  Jehovah  to  them.  “ To  the  intent  that  now  unto 
“ principalities  and  powers*  might  be  known  by  the  church, 
“ the  manifold  wil'dom  of  God.”  In  redeeming  the  church, 
the  infinite  benevolence  of  God  appears  in  a new  and  glori- 
ous point  of  view.  Angels  can  here  fee  a manifeftation  of 
fuperlative  wifdom  and  infinite  mercy.  They  had  never 
feen  divine  mercy  called  into  exercife,  till  they  beheld  it,  in 
the  gofpel  plan  of  falvation.  As  the  cherubims  made  by 
Mofes,  turned  their  faces  towards  the  mercy-feat,  fo  will 
the  cherubims  above,  with  intenfe  delight,  dwell  forever  on 
the  merciful  dilpenfation  of  the  gofpel. 

The  glorified  faints  will  unite  with  angels,  in  fearching 
into  the  myfteries  of  redeeming  love.  The  redeemed  here- 
after, will  learn  many  interefting  particulars  of  our  Savior’s 
life,  which  are  not  recorded  in  the  gofpels.  Many  parts  of 
the  gofpel  fcheme  are  impcrfe&ly  underftood  in  the  prefent 
life.  The  Son  of  God  called  his  followers  difciples , or 
learners.  This  fignificant  name  implies,  that  they  are  intro- 
duced into  a lchool  where  Ghrift  is  the  teacher,  and  the 
gofpel  is  the  fcience  which  his  difciples  are  to  ftudy.  And 
will  not  the  difciples  of  Chrift  continue  to  be  learners, 
under  their  great  teacher*  after  they  arrive  in  glory  ? Will 
not  the  gofpel  afford  ample  fcope,  for  their  devout  invefti- 
gations,  through  eternal  ages  ? As  they  increafe  in  knowl- 
edge, will  they  not  with  deeper  humility,  admire  the  com- 
panions of  God  to  a ruined  world  ; and  be  able  more  and 
more  “ to  comprehend  what  is  the  breadth,  and  length,  and 
“ depth,  and  height ; and  to  know  the  love  of  Chrift,  which 
“ paffeth  knowledge,  that  they  may  be  filled  with  the 
“ fulnefs  of  God.” 


4.  The  gofpel  is  everlafting  in  the  eflfefts  experienced  by 
faints  and  finners. 

When  St.  Paul  preached  the  gofpel  at  Rome,  “ fomc  be- 
lieved, and  fome  believed  not.”  Such  is  the  reception  it 
commonly  meets  with.  To  fome  it  becomes  a favor  of 
life  unto  life,  and  to  others  a favor  of  death  unto  death. 
Thofe,  who  believe,  and  thofe  who  reject  the  gofpel,  will 
feel  the  effects  of  their  conduct  to  all  eternity. 

The  faints  will  hereafter  become  perfectly  conformed  to 
holinefs,  and  enter  upon  a (late  of  complete  and  eternal 
joy.  “ They  fliall  return  and  come  to  Zion  with  fongs  and 
“ everlafting  joy  upon  their  heads ; and  they  fliall  obtain 
“joy  and  gladnefs,  and  forrow  and  fighing  fliall  flee  away.” 
“ Everlafting  joy  fliall  be  unto  them.”  All  the  pleafant 
things  of  the  prefent  life  will  have  an  end.  “ All  is  vanity.” 
But  the  joys  which  the  gofpel  propofes  are  endlefs.  “ The 
“ righteous  fliall  go  away  into  life  eternal.” 

The  effects  of  the  gofpel  upon  defpiflng  unbelievers,  will 
be  eternal.  It  is  exprefsly  declared  by  Chrift,  that  the 
wicked  at  the  day  of  judgment  “ fliall  go  away  into  ever- 
“ lafting  punifliment.”  St.  Paul  has  left  this  folemn 
warning  on  record,  “ that  thofe,  who  know  not  God,  and 
“ obey  not  the  gofpel  of  the  Lord  Jefus  Chrift,  fliall  be  pun- 
“ ilhed  with  everlafting  definition,  from  the  prefence  of  the 
“ Lord,  and 'from  the  glory  of  his  power.” 

The  gofpel  which  you  hear,  my  brethren,  is  everlafting. 
It  has  already  exifted  an  eternity  which  is  paft  : and  it  will 
forever  exift,  the  admiration  of  angels  and  faints,  and  the 
Humbling  ftone  and  rock  of  offence  to  devils  and  impeni- 
tent ftnners.  Our  eternal  happinefs  or  mifery  depend  on 
the  reception  we  give  to  it.  “ He,  then,  that  is  wife,  is  wife 
for  himfelf,  but  he  that  fcorneth,  he  alone  muft  bear  it.” 

Let  us  now  proceed  to  enquire, 

III.  In  what  manner  and  at  what  time  the  pofoel  will  be 
preached  among  all  nations. 

The  manner  in  which  the  gofpel  will  be  fpread  is  evi- 
dently intimated  in  the  words  of  the  text.  I fiuu  an  angel 
fly  in  the  midjlof  Heaven.  s. Ingel  is  a name,  not  uncommon- 
ly applied  to  minifters  of  the  gofpel.  The  minifters  of  the 
feven  churches  in  Alia,  are  called  angels . Infpiration  has 


L tc  J 


conferred  this  honorable  name,  upon  the  minifters  of  reli- 
gion, fo  exprefs  the  nature  and  high  importance  of  their 
commi.Tion. 

By  the  angel  mentioned  in  the  text  we  are  to  underftand, 
either  feme  eminent  reformer  in  the  church  who  is  appoint- 
ed for  extenfive  ul’efulnefs,  or  the  chriitiau  miniftry  collec- 
tively. The  gofpel  miniftry  was  inftituted  to  continue  to  the 
end  of  the  world  ; and  with  very  particular  reference  to  the 
lafl  times.  In  the  pall  a^s  of  the  church,  the  gofpel  has 
been  fpreau  by  an  evangelical  miniftry.  This  was  the  cafe 
in  the  apoftolic  age.  A Angle  apoftle  carried  the  gofpel  to 
thoufands  and  perhaps  to  mill  ions.  Both  under  the  Jewilh 
and  chriftian  difpenfstions,  the  minifters  of  religion,  have 
been  the  ihftruments  of  dilfufing  divine  knowledge. 

If  the  angel  mentioned  in  the  text,  reprefent  the  gofpel 
miniftry,  the  “flying  of  the  angel”  reprefents  the  diligence, 
and  zeal  with  which  they  are  to  fulfil  their  work.  And  is 
there  not  an  evident  allufion  to  miffignary  labors  ? The 
flight  of  an  angel  in  the  midft  of  heaven,  may  very  fitly 
reprefent  the  rapidity  of  miflionary  journies  for  heavenly  and 
divine  purpofes.  There  is  a plain  intimation  in  the  text,  I 
think,  that  the  gofpel  will  be  fpread  among  all  nations,  by 
miffionaries  fent  forth  to  preach  to  every  nation,  and  kindred, 
and  tongue,  and  people.  The  miflionary  caufe  is  now  in  its 
infancy.  Something  has  beeu  already  done — yea  much  ha3 
been  done.  Thoufands,  we  believe,  have  been  brought  into 
the  kingdom  of  Chrift,  by  the  means  of  miflionary  labors. — 
But  the  field  is  ftill  extenfive.  The  harveft  is  great,  and 
the  laborers  are  few.  With  great  propriety  may  we  urge 
the  exhortation  of  our  Lord,  “ Pray  ye,  therefore,  the 
“ Lord  of  the  harveft,  that  lie  would  fend  Forth  laborers  in- 
“ to  his  harveft.”  Every  attempt  to  qualify  young  men  of 
talents  and  piety  for  the  work  of  the  f’acrcd  miniftry,  mud 
be  viewed  with  peculiar  pleafure  by  the  friends  of  religion.* 

It  is  pretty  evident  from  prophecy,  that  the  difperfed 
jews  will  be  called  heme  to  the  laud  of  their  fathers,  before. 

♦We  cannot  but  congratulate  the  churches  upon  the  cfiubh’ftimmt 
of  a Theological  School  in  thir  fhite,  which  bids  fair  to  be  an  inililu- 
tic.i  of  very  great  importance  to  the  caufe  ol' religion. 


L M ] 


the  commencement  of  the  Millennium.  They  cau  very  eafily 
leave  their  prefent  homes,  and  commence  a pilgrimage  to 
Jerufalem.  They  are  generally  a mercantile  people,  and 
can  readily  collect  their  eifefls,  and  prepare  for  fuch  a jour- 
ney. After  they  {hall  have  affembled  at  the  land  of  Palef- 
tiue,  imprcJTed  with  concern  for  the  nations  among  whom 
they  have  dwelt,  they  will  be  led  to  devife  means  to  chrif- 
tianize  the  world.  This  nation,  colle&ed  from  their  difper- 
fion,  will  underlland  the  languages,  cuftoms,  ami  character 
of  molt  of  the  nations  of  the  earth.  Their  local  fnuation 
will  be  favorable.  And  they  will  be  qualified,  above  any 
other  nation,  to  form  and  carry  into  dFefif  the  molt  exten- 
sive fchemes,  for  diffufing  the  chriftian  religion.  Here  \(e 
may  look  for  a nation  of  mifiionaries.  “The  Jaw  will  go 
“ forth  from  Jerufalem.”  “ For  if  the  calling  away  of 
“ them  be  the  reconciling  of  the  world,  what  lhall  the  re- 
44  ceiving  of  them  be,  but  lif5  from  the  dead  ?”* 

At  what  future  time  the  gofpel  will  be  preached  among 
all  nations  is  an  enquiry  of  importance.  Many  have  fixed 
the  time  and  been  difappointed  in  their  expeditions.  Many 
are  prejudiced  againft  any  attempts  to  inveftigate  the  fub- 
jeef.  Divines  of  the  prefent  day  are  agreed,  that  this  5e- 
firable  period  is  not  far  dill  ant,  and,  as  it  draws  near,  we  (hall 
gain  increafing  light  in  determining  the  prccife  time  of  its 
commencement. 

The  time  when  the  gcfpel  will  be  preached  among  a)l 
nations  is  revealed  in  prophecy.  “ Secret  things  belong  to 
“ God,  but  things  revealed  belong  to  us  and  our  children 
“ forever.”  The  future  glory  of  the  church  is  deferibed  in 
manypaflages  of  ancient  prophecy,  and  two  of  the  prophets, 
Daniel  and  St.  John,  have  fixed  the  time  w hen  it  will  take 
place,  with  great  precifion.  In  the  prophecies  of  Daniel  and 
St.  John,  a certain  period  is  mentioned  during  which  the 
enemies  of  religion  Should  opprefs  the  church.  This  period 
is  varioufly  exprefied,  and  is  faid  to  continue  for  time , times 
and  an  half,  or  three  years  and  an  half — for  forty  arid  two 
months — for  a thoufand  two  hundred  and  thrcefcore  days. — 
If  we  compute  a year  according  to  the  cuftom  of  the  an- 


* Romans  1 1.  i c. 


[12  ] 

dents,  to  confift  of  three  hundred  and  fixty  days,  we  fhall 
find  that  three  years  and  a half  equal  forty  and  twm  months, 
or  twelve  hundred  and  fixty  days.  A day  in  the  language 
of  prophecy  is  put  for  a year.  Twelve  hundred  fixty  days 
imply  twelve  hundred  fixty  years.  At  the  clofe  of  this  pe- 
riod the  enemies  of  the  church  will  be  deftroyed,  and  the 
Jews  will  return  to  their  own  country. 

The  only  difficulty  attending  this  fubjcfl  lies  in  determin- 
ing the  time  when  this  period  of  twelve  hundred  fixty  years 
began. 

Two  very  powerful  enemies  have  arifen,  and  oppreffed 
the  faints,  both  of  which  are  diftiu&ly  deferibed  in  prophe- 
cy. 

In  the  year  606  Mahomet  made  his  appearance,  and 
began  to  propagate  his  religion  in  the  Eaft.  Of  him 
it  was  predicted,  that  he  fiiould  wax  great , and  caft  down 
Jome  of  the  hofl  and  of  the  Jiars  to  the  ground , and  that  he 
fjould  caji  down  the  truth , and  fiould  praclfe  and  prejper , 
and  deftroy  the  mighty  and  the  holy  people,  and  through  his  poli- 
cyjhould  caufe  craft  to  profper  in  his  hand.*  The  Mahome- 
tan impoftor  wms  notorious  for  trampling  upon  the  truth,  for 
deftroying  the  minifters  of  Chrift,  and  profpering  in  his 
perfecution  of  the  people  of  God,  and  prevailing  by  the 
craftincfs  of  his  counfels. 

The  authorities  of  the  papal  church  have  been  another 
very  violent  enemy  of  the  faints,  and  have  worn  them 
out  with  perfecutions.  The  power  of  the  Roman  prelate 
gradually  increafed  till  the  year  606,  the  fame  year 
which  gave  rife  to  the  Mahometan  impoftor,  when  Boniface 
was  declared  univerfal  Bifliop  and  fupreme  head  of  the 
Catholic  church. 

It  is  remarkable  that  Mahomet  in  the  Eaft,  and  the  Pope 
of  Rome  in  the  Weft,  two  very  bitter  enemies  of  the  faints 
W'ho  have  been  “ drunken  with  their  blood,”  arofe  into  pub 
lie  notice  the  fame  year.  No  other  period  will  afford  fo 
remarkable  a concurrence  of  circumftances  as  the  one  under 
confideration. 

he  period  of  the  church’s  tribulation  began  in  606, 


Daniel  8. 


[ *3  ] 

we  can  tlien  correctly  determine,  that  it  will  end  in  the  year 
1 866.  Whether  this  calculation,  which  is  advanced  by 
a refpe&able  European  writer,*  be  correfl  or  not,  it  is 
evident  that  the  church  lias  been  a long  time  in  fackcloth, 
and  her  days  of  mourning  are  nearly  at  an  end.  The  tri- 
umph of  the  enemies  of  religion  mult  foon  ceafe.  There  is 

nothing  in  the  prefent  ftate  of  things  to  difeourage  the  ex- 
pectation, that  within  ftxty  years  mahometanifm  and  popery 
will  be  exterminated.  On  the  contrary  many  things  are  evi- 
dently confpiring  to  bring  about  this  event. 

If  the  calculation  I have  now  exhibittd  be  according  to 
truth,  we  may  determine  the  time  when  the  gofpel  will  be 
preached  to  every  nation,  and  kindred,  and  tongue,  and  peo- 
ple. The  days  of  the  church’s  diflrefs  will  end  in  the  year 
i 866.  The  Jews  will  then  be  called  in  and  inherit  the  land 
ofPalefline.  Such  a remarkable  event  will  awaken  the  at- 
tention of  the  world,  excite  a fpirit  of  enquiry,  and  “ many 
“ lhall  run  to  and  fro,  and  knowledge  (hall  be  increaf- 
“ed.”"  But  the  bleflednefs  of  the  church  will  not  take 
place  till  feventy  five  years  after  this  period.  Dan.  12.  12. 
“ Blcffed  is  he  that  waiteth  and  cometh  to  the  thoufand 
“ three  hundred  and  five  and  thirty  days.”  Then  will  the 
gofpel  have  reached  all  nations,  attended  with  the  mod  hap- 
py efleCts.  “ The  kingdom  and  the  greatnefs  of  the  king- 
“ dom,  under  the  whole  Heavens,”  inftead  of  being  in  the 
hands  of  the  enemies  of  the  crofs  of  Chrift,  “ will  be  given 
“ to  the  people  of  the  fa  nts  of  the  Moft  High,  whofe  king- 
“ dom  is  an  everlafting  kingdom,  and  all  dominions  {hall  ferve 
him.”  The  church  of  Chrift  which  now  is,  and  ever  has 

been,  a little  flock,  will  then  extend  into  all  the  earth. 

“ God  the  Father  will  give  to  his  Son  the  heathen  for  his  in- 
M heritance,  and  the  uttermoft  parts  of  the  earth  for  h s pof- 
“ feflion.” 

I fha!I  clofe  with  feveral  remarks  which  the  fubjeCt  and 
prefent  intereftingoccafion  fuggeft. 

1.  How  thankful  ought  all  to  be  who  enjoy  the  gof- 
pel  ! However  extenfive  it  will  be  hereafter,  at  prefent,  it 
is  confined  to  a favored  few.  How  many  of  our  brethren 


* Faber. 


[ *4  ] 


.sre  Grangers  to  the  way  of  falvation  through  Chrid  ! How 
many  fallen  fpirits  never  had  the  offer  of  a Saviour ! How 
many  within  our  own  country,  have  but  a very  imperfect 
knowledge  of  the  way  of  life,  and  feldom  enjoy  au  opportu- 
nity to  hear  a gofpel  fermon  ! When  we  turu  our  eyes  to 
others,  and  confider  their  condition,  well  may  we  enquire, 
44  who  hath  made  us  to  differ  ?”  The  everlafling  gofpel  is 
our  birth  right.  We  were  taught  it  in  childhood,  and  have 
not,  like  many  others,  been  deprived  of  it  in  our  riper  years. 
Let  it  be  the  folicitous  enquiry  of  us  all,  44  What  fhall  we 
44  render  to  the  Lord  for  all  his  benefits  ?”  Lyery  heart 
which  can  feel,  mud  feel  the  highed  emotions  of  gratitude 
for  the  unfpeakable  gift  of  a Saviour,  and  for  the  offers  of 
life  eternal,  through  his  atoning  blood.  May  we  bear  it  iu 
mind,  that  to  whom  much  is  given,  of  them  much  will  be  re- 
quired : and  that  the  fervant  which  knew'  his  Lord’s  will, 
and  prepared  not  himfelf,  neither  did  according  to  his  will, 
fhall  be  beaten  with  many  dripes 

2.  Happy  are  all  thofe,  wiio  2re  intereded  in  the 
promifes  of  the  everlading  gofpel. 

All  the  faints  have  a perfona!  intered  in  the  great  things 
which  God  is  carrying  on  for  his  choi'en  people,  lheir  fins 
are  pardoned,  and  their  names  are  written  in  the  hook  of 
life.  They  have  a good  hope  through  grace,  which  is  as 
an  anchor  to  the  foul,  both  fure  and  dedfad,  entering  into 
that  which  is  within  the  veil.  They  have  found,  by  happy 
experience,  that  the  ways  of  wifdom  are  pleafantnefs,  and  all 
her  paths  are  peace.  They  enjoy  a prefent  red,  and  arc 
favored  with  feme  fore  fades  of  that  red,  which  remaineth 
for  the  people  of  God. 

The  faints  are  engaged  in  a caufe  which  has  been  near 
the  heart  of  God  from  eternity,  and  which  will  prove 
fuccefsful.  I’refcnt  appearances  may  be  dark  and  difeoura- 
iging.  Infidelity  and  vice  may  yet  prevail  to  a very  alarming 
degree.  The  faints  of  the  Mod  High  may  be  reviled  and 
ridiculed,  or  fall  a facrifice  to  the  violence  of  perfecivtion. 
But  let  all  the  humble  followers  of  the  lamb,  lirt  up  their 
heads,  for  their  redemption  draweth  nigh.  The  happy  pe- 
riod is  approaching,  when  the  Lord  {hall  appear  in  his  glory, 
to  build  up  Zion.  The  ancient  faints,  who  lived  before  the 


[ 1 5 ] 


incarnation  of  the  Son  of  God,  “ all  died  in  faith,  not 
“ having  received  the  promifes  ; but  having  feen  them  afar 
“ off,  and  were  perfuaded  of  them,  and  embraced  them,  and 
“ confdfed  that  they  were  pilgrims  and  Grangers  on  the 
“ earth.”  T hofe,  who  now  conftitute  the  militant  church, 
will  all  be  gathered  to  their  fathers,  before  the  Millennium 
(hall  commence  ; but,  being  perfnaded  of  the  promifes,  they 
can  enjoy  that  day  in  profpeft.  And  they  will  enjoy  it, 
when  it  arrives.  From  their  feats  in  the  new  Jerufalerii, 
they  will  then  look  down  with  delight  on  the  great  things 
w hich  God  is  doing  for  Zion.  “ There  is  joy  in  Heaven 
“ over  one  firmer  that  repenteth  much  greater  will  be  the 
joy,  “ when  a nation  fhall  be  born  in  a day.”  In  allufion  to 
the  real  friends  of  Chrilt,  we  may  adopt  the  words  of  the 
queen  of  Sheba  to  Solomon,  “ Happy  are  thy  men,  happy 
“ are  thefe  thy  fervants,  which  Hand  continually  before 
“ thee,  and  hear  thy  wifdom.” 

3.  The  guilt  and  folly  of  thofe  who  oppofe  the  gofpel,  is 
inexcufably  great. 

The  wicked  in  their  oppofition  to  the  gofpel,  are  oppofmg 
all  the  benevolent  purposes  of  God,  reflecting  the  redemp- 
tion of  fallen  man.  They  a:e  exerting  their  influence  to 
flain  the  glory  of  God,  as  it  appears  in  the  face  of  the  Mc- 
'diator,  and  to  deflroy  the  happinefs  of  the  uhiverfe.  They 
are  fighting  the  friendly  arm,  which  is  extended  to  pluck 
them  as  brands  from  the  burning.  And  in  fhort,  they  are 
uniting  heart  and  hand  with  Satan,  the  foe  of  God  and  man, 
and  lending  their  influence  to  build  up  the  kingdom  of  dark- 
nefs.  Literature  and  fhining  talents,  have  in  fome  inftances, 
been  enlifled  on  their  Ode.  But  thofe  who  are  in  any  form, 
whether  by  open  infidelity,  or  fecret  wickednefs,  oppofiiig  the 
gofpeJ'  will  be  deftroyed.  “ The  ungodly  (ball  not  fraud 

in  the  judgment,  nor  flnners  in  the  congregation  of*  the 
“ upright.” 

The  exertions  of  the  wricked  to  deftroy  the  kingdom  cf 
Chrift,  will  be  ineffectual.  They  can  as  eafiiy  pluck  the  fun 
from  the  firmament,  as  prevent  the  falvation  of  one  of  thofe 
little  ones,  which  believe  on  the  Lord  JeTus.  Their  caufe  is 
defperate.  There  can  be  no  hope  of  fuccefs.  Omnipotence 
is  pledged  for  the  fupport  of  religion.  £;  I the  Lord  do  keep 


[ i6  ] 

liiy  vineyard,  left  any  hurt  it.  I keep  it  night  and  day.— 
“ Who  will  fet  the  briars  and  thorns  againft  me  in  battle  ? 
“ I would  go  through  them  j I would  burn  them  to- 
“ gether.”* 

We,  my  brethren,  have  a perfonal  concern  in  the  gofpel. 
We  have  an  intereft  at  flake.  We  have  each  of  us  an  im- 
mortal fpirit,  which  can  be  ranfomed  in  no  other  way,  than 
through  the  blood  of  an  incarnate  God.  Let  us,  then, 
enquire  with  anxiety,  what  reception  we  have  given  to  the 
Lord  Jefus  ? Have  we  made  him  our  friend,  by  a voluntary 
fubmiflion  to  his  government  ? Has  the  gofpel  a command- 
ing influence  cn  our  feelings  and  daily  practice  ? Does  it 
lead  us  to  a life  of  prayer,  humility,  and  felf-dcnial  ? Does 
it  aifengage  our  affeflions  from  the  flattering  objects  of  time, 
and  fix  them  on  fpiritual  things  ? Thefe  are  enquiries,  on 
which  it  becomes  us,  as  candidates  for  eternity,  to  be  fatis- 
fied.  Multitudes  will  go  from  our  world,  to  people  the 
regions  of  darknefs,  before  the  Millennium  commences. 
Let  us  fee  to  it,  that  we  are  fafe.  “ Serve  the  Lord  with 
<£  fear,  and  rejoice  vrith  trembling.  Kifs  the  Son,  left  he  be 
t:  angry,  and  ye  perifli  from  the  way,  when  his  anger  is 
“ kindled  but  a little.” 

4.  We  have  reafon  to  expert,,  that  there  will  foon  come 
a period  of  very  great  diftrefs,  upon  the  nations  of  the  earth. 

Such  a period  is  to  precede  the  Millennium.  The  ca- 
lamities which  will  then  overtake  the  inhabitants  of  the 
earth,  are  by  infpired  writers,  deferibed  in  very  aliening 
language.  He  that  is  faithful  and  true,  wall  “ tread  the 
“ wineprefs  of  the  fiercenefs  and  wrath  of  Almighty  God.” 
“ There  fhall  be  a time  of  trouble,  fuch  as  never  was  fince 
“ there  w'as  a nation.”  Thfe  prefent  are  emphatically  evil 
days.  The  earth  is  exceedingly  corrupt.  Wickednefs  of  all 
kinds  abounds ; but  much  greater  evils  are  hafteniug  on 
the  world.  Infidelity  will  prevail,  and  become  bold.  There 
fhall  come  in  the  laft  days,  feofters,  walking  after  their  own 
lulls.  The  wicked  will  fet  their  mouths  againft  the  Heav- 
ens, and  curfe  their  God  and  king,  and  look  upwards.  Re- 
ftraints  will  be  in  a great  meafure  removed,  and  men  will 

* ifaiali,  27. 


3,  4.  f Daniel  12. 


[ »7  3 a:.; 


aft  like  incarnate  devils.  The  enemies  of  Zion  have  been 
for  ages  ripening  for  the  harveft  of  the  wrath  of  God. 
When  the  inhabitants  of  the  ante-deluvian  world  became 
univerfally  corrupted,  and  the  earth  filled  with  violence,  God 
deftroyed  them  all.  When  the  people  of  Sodom  and  Go- 
morrah had  corrupted  themfelves  with  every  abomination, 
till  the  cry  of  their  fin  reached  Heaven,  the  Lord  deftroyed 
them  with  a Ihower  of  fire  and  brimftone  j and  a dead  lake 
covers  the  ground  where  thefe  famous  cities  once  flood. 
After  the  Jewifh  nation  had  caft  contempt  on  the  ordinances 
of  God,  and  defpifed  the  warnings  of  their  prophets,  for  many 
ages,  and  at  lad  rejefted  and  crucified  the  Son  of  God,  and 
imprecated  his  blood  on  themfelves  and  their  children,  they 
differed  an  unexampled  deflruftion.  In  like  manner  will  the 
enemies  of  the  gofpel,  who  have  for  centuries  oppreffed  the 
faints,  very  loon  be  made  to  drink  of  that  cup  of  trembling, 
which  they  have  mingled  for  others.  If  the  calculations 
which  have  been  exhibited  in  the  preceding  difeourfe,  be 
correft,  the  enemies  of  Chrifl  will  be  deflroyed  immediately 
after  the  expiration  of  the  year  1866.  “ The  beaft,  and 

‘c  the  kings  of  the  earth  and  their  armies,  fhall  be  gathered 
“ together  to  battle  ; and  the  beaft  and  the  falfe  prophet 
“ fhall  both  be  caft  alive  into  the  lake  of  fire,  burning  with 
“ brimrtoite.”  The  battle  of  the  great  day  will  probably  be 
fought  in  Palefline,  and  will  terminate  in  the  deflruftion  of 
the  enemies  of  religion. 

5.  It  is  the  duty  of  all,  to  ufe  the  neceffary  means  to  pro- 
mote the  fpread  of  the  gofpel. 

The  church  is  to  be  preferved  during  the  dark  period 
which  intervenes  between  this  time,  and  the  commencement 
of  the  Millennium.  It  is  not  improbable,  that  the  church 
will  gradually  increafe  in  this  period.  As  the  boldnefs  of 
fcoffers  and  infidels  increafes,  there  will  unqueftionably  be 
an  increafed  engagednefs  among  chriftians.  Men’s  charac- 
ters will  be  more  decided. 

Means  will  be  neceffary  for  the  prefervation  of  the  true 
religion.  God  will  awaken  and  fanftify  Tinners,  and  build 
up  the  church,  in  the  fame  manner  as  he  has  done  heretofore. 
We  have  no  reafon  to  expeft  miracles.  The  caufe  cf  religion 
is  to  be  maintained,.  by  a divine  bleffmg  cn  the  means  of 

C 


[ IS  ] 


grace.  It  is  then  our  duty  to  make  ufe  of  the  appointed 
means.  The  facred  fcriptures  have  been  a means  of  awa- 
kening thoughtlels  finners,  and  increafmg  the  faith  and  joy 
of  the  faints.  It  is  then  infinitely  important,  that  the  Bible 
fliould  be  circulated  among  the  poor  and  the  ignorant. 
There  are  families  in  our  enlightened  country,  that  are 
dellitute  of  the  Bible,  and  children  are  growing  up,  without 
knowing  that  there  is  fuch  a book.  There  is  an  obligation 
on  us  to  fend  the  facred  fcriptures,  and  other  ferious  bocks, 
to  the  needy  within  our  borders.  The  diftribution  of  fuch 
books  has  been  attended  with  happy  effefts.  The  preaching 
of  the  gofpel  has  been  a means  of  faving  many  from  eternal 
death.  Many  in  our  land  are  dellitute  of  the  gofpel.  They 
feldom  have  an  opportunity  to  hear  a fermon.  “ They  are 
“ buffering  a famine,  not  of  bread,  but  of  hearing  the  word.” 
Many  of  our  brethren,  who  are  on  their  way  to  a folemn 
eternity,  are  in  this  unhappy  condition.  Their  day  of  pro- 
bation is  fhort,  and  their  eternal  deftinies  will  loon  be  fixed. 
We  are  pofl'cfl'ed  of  the  means  of  fending  them  the  gofpel  of 
grace  : And  what  is  our  duty  ? 

There  is  a peculiar  kind  of  happinefs  in  relieving  the  dif- 
treffes  of  men.  And  where  we  can  relieve  the  diftrefies  of 
the  mind ; where  we  can  lend  an  aflifting  hand,  to  promote 
the  eternal  falvation  of  any  of  our  brethren,  fhall  we  be 
backward  to  duty  ? Will  not  the  pleafure  arifing  from  char- 
ities bellowed  to  promote  fuch  an  objeft,  be  a very  ample 
reward  ? By  fending  the  gofpel  to  the  dellitute,  we  may  be 
in  fir  u mental  in  faving  fome  from  eternal  forrow.  And  what 
an  occafion  of  joy,  to  a heart  acquainted  with  benevolent  feel- 
ings, to  be  the  inltrument  of  relating  an  immortal  foul  from 
interminable  woe,  and  preparing  it  for  a throne  in  Heaven  ! 

Our  exertions  to  fpread  the  gofpel  will  have  a tendency 
to  bring  on  the  latter  day  glory  of  the  church.  We,  who 
are  now  on  the  llage,  have  a very  important  part  to  aft  in 
the  concerns  of  the  kingdom  of  Chrilt.  David  prepared  the 
materials  for  the  Temple,  but  his  eyes  were  doled  in  the 
flumbers  of  death,  before  that  magnificent  llrufturc  was  com- 
pleted. So  we  lhall  all  lleep  in  the  grave,  before  the  day 
fipring  of  Millennian  glory  enlighten  our  benighted  world. 
But  we  can  be  the  humble,  inllrumeuts  of  advancing  the 


f *9  ] 

honor  of  our  Lord  and  Savior,  and  promoting  till 
glory  of  Zion.  And,  “ What  is  noble,  let  us  do  it. 

Make  not  the  obje&ion,  that  God  can  accomplilh 
pofes  without  our  aid.  God  can  accomplilh  all  his  dl 
of  mercy,  and  he  will  do  it.  But,  if  we  reftrain  prayer,^ 
negleft  the  appointed  means,  we  {hall  have  no  part  nor 
this  matter.  If  we  decline  to  lend  our  abidance, 
will  do  the  work,  and  we  fhall  fail  of  a blefiing.  As  Mor- 
decai  faid  to  Eflher,  “ If  thou  altogether  holdefl:  thy  peace, 
“ then  lliall  their  enlargement  and  deliverance  arife  from 
•c  another  place,  but  thou  and  thy  father’s  houfe  Avail 
“ perilh.” 


